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Forestry and Land Scotland is the Scottish Government agency charged with looking after Scotland’s National Forests and Land (NFL). While a large proportion of our work involves timber production, we reinvest income into management of the NFL for the benefit of Scotland’s economy, environment, and society.

West Region covers Argyll (West of Loch Fyne), Lorn and Lochaber as well as the Isle of Mull. It is an extremely diverse area rising from the sandy beaches, grassland and rolling hills of Kintyre to the native woodlands and rougher hills of mid-Argyll and Lorn, which finally give way to the high mountains of North Argyll and Lochaber. A mixture of commercial and native woodland occurs in most forests and West Region covers around half of the Scottish Rainforest climatic zone. We have more Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) than any other Region and this rainforest restoration through removal of rhododendron and non-native species is a key target of our work. The Region balances timber production with this woodland restoration and the restoration of peatlands, another of our key target areas. Heritage is a strong feature, especially in mid-Argyll, and the team manages a number of scheduled monuments as well as a range of designated sites. Our forests are home to a diverse range of species including golden and white-tailed eagles, red squirrel and the Knapdale beavers, as well as many other species of raptor, rare moths, butterflies and the lichens, bryophytes and liverworts which the Scottish Rainforest is renowned for. This role will cover the Southern half of the Region – roughly Loch Etive to Kintyre.

The Planning and Environment team is involved in all aspects of the Region’s work. Together we work to deliver the objectives FLS has agreed with stakeholders and regulators, whilst helping ensure that we meet UK Forestry Standards and maintain UKWAS accreditation. Working closely with others, the team designs the forests of the future, works to protect and restore semi-natural habitats and co-ordinates programmes required to achieve the desired outcomes.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Environment Ranger to join Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS) Environment Team in West Region. West Region is at the heart of the Scottish Rainforest zone and the protection and restoration of this unique habitat, alongside Peatland Restoration, forms a large part of our commitment to tackle the Biodiversity Crisis and Climate Emergency. The job will be based in Mid-Argyll and Kintyre and cover a variety of terrain from coastal and riparian to hill tops, and species from the beavers of Knapdale to both species of eagle and globally rare species of lichens and byrophytes.

Environment Rangers work with colleagues to inform and build mitigation plans for forest operations. You will also carry out work to enhance designated sites by creating work programmes for conservation benefit, such as Invasive non-native species control.

You’ll spend a large proportion of your time in the field undertaking pre-operational checks such as pre harvesting to identify and protect environmental features, monitoring of habitats, such as Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) and priority open habitats, whilst reporting on conditions and management needs and will work with other forestry colleagues to programme and deliver this.

Additionally, you’ll provide support to Regional teams in the planning and delivery of FLS objectives in line with our corporate plans and in adherence to UKWAS standards.

Experience

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in surveying and monitoring of species and habitats; and
• Experience working on remote sites, and over challenging terrains.

Desirable:

• Experience of writing or contributing to mitigation plans or conservation plans; and
• Experience in using GIS and mobile mapping systems.

Technical

Essential:

• Working knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental legislation; and
• Knowledge of the habitats and species found in Scotland’s forests and on the land we manage.

Desirable:

• A degree or formal qualification in Ecology, or an equivalent related subject; and Member of CIEEM, or relevant professional body.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

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